The Selective Mutism Association

presents

The Selective Mutism Training Institute for Caregivers

The Selective Mutism Training Institute for Caregivers (SMTI-Caregivers) is an indepth 2-day training course for caregivers of children/youth (ages 3 - 17) diagnosed with selective mutism (SM).  The workshop is intensive and skills-based with the goal of increasing caregiver competence in utilizing empirically-supported treatment strategies for SM. We maintain a low instructor-to-participant ratio to ensure adequate time for modeling and video role-play of the skills.  Registration will be cappped at 30 participants.

This is a unique opportunity for caregivers of children with selective mutism to learn cutting-edge, innovative techniques to effectively address SM. Small group, video consultation with the course instructors following the 2-day training is included in the cost.This will allow participants to further apply the skills in their own unique way. Please note this consultation does not provide individualized treatment.

This course is taught by leading experts, researchers, and authors in the field of Selective Mutism: 

Rachel Busman, Psy.D., ABPP, Senior Director for the Anxiety Disorders Center and Director of the Selective Mutism Service at the Child Mind Institute

Emily Doll, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the Easton Area School District in Pennsylvania and is a counselor and lead teacher at the Child Mind Institute's Brave Buddies programs for children with SM.

Rachel Merson, Psy.D., Clinical Director of the Child and Adolescent Fear and Anxiety Treatment Program at the Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (Child CARD)

Program Objectives - Participants will be able to...

• Describe ways in which SM develops and appropriate timing for medical consultation
  
  
• State empirically-supported behavioral and cognitive treatmentstrategies, including PCIT-SM (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism) techniques for SM in school, home, and public (social) settings
  
  
• List 3 strategies to effectively engage school personnel and educational staff when implementing relevant treatment strategies specific to youth with SM
  
  
• List various forms of caregiver self-care when supporting children with SM
  

Participants who will benefit from this training include all caregivers of children with selective mutism. Other participants will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to email info@selectivemutism.org with their particulars to discuss if this training is appropriate.

Prior Experience:  The SMTI course is primarily intended for those with beginner and intermediate knowledge of SM.

Couple Information:  For those interested in registering at the couple rate, please consider the following information.  The couple rate is designed for spouses/partners who are caregivers of a child with SM who live in the same houeshold.  When registering as a couple, each person must have access to a device and both people who are registered should be in separate rooms during the training to prevent feedback/tehnological interference.  It is necessary to register both members of a couple to allow for appropriate ratios for practice.  Only those with paid registrations will be able to participate in the practice sessions which are a significant portion of the training.  If family members would like to listen in the background to the teaching part of the training and NOT participate in the practice sessions, they do not need to register.  Only one entrance into the training will be allowed per individual registered.  Two entrances to the training will be allowed per couple registraiton.

*Please note that this training is offered in English. If you need any special accommodations, please email Dr. Lisa Kovac at info@selectivemutism.org prior to registering.

Register Now! 

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Any cancellations made prior to June 1, 2021 will receive a full refund less a $35 processing fee. No refunds will be given after June 1.